Survivors of modern slavery and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers will be supported through an evening of fundraising for local charities.
Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Sheffield are hosting a Refugee Rhythms event tonight in a heritage site in Sheffield.
The DJs and bands are Sheffield based artists that cover a range of genres, from jazz fusion to jungle and house.
DJ MYNA believes that people can always do more to support refugees, she said: “Our government is complicit in creating refugees and mistreating them too, and there’s a lot of disinformation that makes their lives harder than it needs to be.
“Education is key.”
The event is taking place at SADACCA, and MYNA said: “It is a cultural heritage site for the black community which connects with me, my heritage and the music I like to play.”
The event has been held across the country and in the city before.
MYNA Performing, credit: lilitakesflickis
Money will be raised to support local charities, including: The Snowdrop Project, LASS and Time to be Out.
The charities were chosen as they are local to Sheffield and there was a ‘push’ for LGBTQ+ support this year.
President of Sheffield’s STAR group, Imogen Gray, said: “While we are raising money for difficult causes, we hope to show that we can do it in a positive and happy way.”
She said: “7% of the 30,000 annual asylum applications are on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity so they’d be facing some sort of discrimination.”
The organisation usually raises approximately £2000 and hopes to reach a similar goal with this event.
MYNA said: “I think it’s important to give back, even if it isn’t money directly.”
Rachel Medina, CEO of The Snowdrop Project, said: “Support from the community means so much to local charities like ourselves.
“Through events like refugee rhythms we are able to continue to provide expert, long term support to survivors of modern slavery and exploitation in South Yorkshire.”
The event’s policy is that any refugee or asylum seekers in and around Sheffield will have free access.
STAR Sheffield will have a stall at the event to discuss their work and provide resources to attendees.
The event is open to all and music will be played tonight from 8pm to 2am.
